Suffolk: Objections filed against state legislative candidates

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Objections have been filed to block two state legislative candidates from getting on third-party lines for the November ballot, Suffolk election officials said Tuesday.

Republican Marie Mawn of Ronkonkoma is challenging State Senate Democratic contender Adrienne Esposito from running on the Women’s Equality line, claiming that 2,638 of the 4,248 submitted signatures were invalid. Esposito needs 3,000 valid signatures to qualify for the ballot.

Democrat Lawrence Tierney of Brookhaven, meanwhile, is challenging former Republican Assemb. Dean Murray’s petitions for the Stop Common Core line, claiming 1,576 of the 2,270 submitted signatures were invalid. Murray needs 1,500 legitimate signatures to qualify for the ballot.

In addition to the challenges at the Suffolk County Board of Elections, lawsuits also were filed in State Supreme Court to knock Esposito and Murray off these independent party ballots. Election officials said no court action is likely until the elections board rules on petition objections.

Meanwhile, Brookhaven Supervisor Edward Romaine filed a letter with the board of elections, declaring a vacancy in the 5th District town board seat. Election officials said the major parties must hold conventions by Sept. 12 to name their candidates.

GOP Suffolk County Court candidate Timothy Mazzei, who has been cross-endorsed, resigned from the town board last week to allow the seat to be filled in a special election in November, rather than early next year.

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